Clement Aims To Build On Improving Home Record

Paul Clement has given his thoughts ahead of this evening's home friendly against Sampdoria (5.15pm).

In our final friendly match before the Premier League 2017/18 season kicks off in a week's time, Clement is looking for his Swansea City side to 'set the tone' as he aims to continue our excellent home form.

As he told the Official site, the Swans lost only twice at the Liberty Stadium following his appointment, against Arsenal and Spurs. The only other game they failed to win was the goalless draw against Middlesbrough.

Behind them, Clement has a few decisions to make on the midfield trio. He hasn't had both Mesa and Britton on the pitch for any decent length of time (if any) in the friendlies so far, so I'm not sure if he'll name Mesa, Britton and Carroll as starters today.

It looks like he feels that Mesa will be our central, and deep-lying midfielder, with Leon Britton as the back-up option. Carroll will surely start on the left side of the midfield three, with the right side open to the likes of Jay Fulton and Matt Grimes, but we really need stronger options for that position.

I would expect that when Sigurdsson is finally sold and we bring in his replacement, that Fer would revert back to playing in that right-sided midfield role.

At the back, we carry on from last season - which many fans aren't happy about. Again, we haven't strengthened there - and our back-up options are again lacking in quality. Mawson will partner Fernandez - who both developed a decent partnership towards the end of last season. Naughton and Olsson as full backs, and they too don't have good enough competition for their places.

Despite that, Clement has said that he's happy with his squad - that is if Sigurdsson stays. It's been reported that the club would look to make at least two signings before the end of the month if he does complete a move to Everton.